CHILLICOTHE - Ross County officials are investigating an incident involving a dog being shot with a crossbow earlier this week.

According to Ross County Dog Warden Waneta Wellinghoff, the incident occurred on Sunday, although it wasn't reported until Tuesday. Her investigation, which is ongoing, has revealed a family living on Buckhorn Lane had supposedly found the stray dog and were caring for it until they could find his owners. A relative was reportedly watching the house while they were on vacation and when she went to check the dog, she saw blood in the enclosed kennel he was in but thought an animal had attacked him.

On Tuesday, the dog, now affectionately named "Beau," was taken to North Fork Animal Clinic, where he was treated for his injuries.

According to Blake Lloyd, clinic owner, and veterinarian, the two-year-old Pit mix had two puncture wounds, one where the arrow entered his body and one where it exited his body, soft tissue trauma in his back, and three fractured vertebrae.

"If it was an inch lower more toward his spinal cord, it would've definitely severed his spinal cord," Lloyd said of the dog's injuries.

Because the dog was shot inside an enclosed kennel, officials aren't sure how the incident happened.

"How does that happen accidentally?" Jenn Thomas, Ross County Humane Society director, asked. "If the dog was out running loose - I don't agree with it, but I could understand how it happened. That wasn't the case."

Wellinghoff said it's difficult to determine if the incident was accidental or intentional because she's heard a lot of different things in her investigation. Because the dog is still young, she questioned if he was shot because he was barking.

"They would have to be pretty close in the area to do something like that," she said, going on to mention bow season's first day was the day of the incident, so an arrow could've accidentally gone that direction.

Despite his injuries, Beau is a happy-go-lucky dog.

"He's doing great. He's happy and healthy and full of life," Lloyd said of the dog's current condition. "He still has some healing wounds and has an amazing disposition. With some training, he's going to be an awesome dog."

Lloyd said the dog injuries won't cause long-term deficits.

Beau is currently at North Fork Animal Clinic's animal hospital, however, Thomas said he'll be transported to the humane society later to be evaluated for adoption.

For Lloyd, one of the most "startling" things was that a person may have done that to the dog.

"(The dog) has no fear or aggression to people," he said. "These guys have an amazing ability to love. We need to take a lesson from them and maybe treat each other that way too."

Wellinghoff said the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information can call her office at 740-772-5929.